As a college prep academy, building a college-going culture is at the heart of everything we do. Trips like this are a key part of how we support students in dreaming big and planning ahead. Whether it’s their first time visiting a college campus or one of many, we want our students to see higher education as an achievable, exciting step in their journey. Do you know a high schooler who would thrive in a forward-thinking, student-centered enviroment? Enrollment for the 2025 – 2026 school year is open! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.

Recently at CCPA, students explored college and career pathways related to their latest hands-on project. They gained insight into potential majors, colleges, and career fields.

9th and 10th graders have been working hard by researching and developing an Artificial Intelligence Policy for CCPA as their most recent interdisciplinary project. Students developed a presentation of their policy for a panel of their fellow classmates, CCPA staff, and community members. Based on their project students learned more about Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy majors. For an AI major, students would study computing, machine learning, robotics, and cognitive psychology, with the AI field expected to grow by 26% from 2023 to 2033. Highlighted colleges included Cal Poly, SLO (Computer Science B.S. with an AI and Machine Learning concentration), and Folsom Lake Community College (AI & Machine Learning Certificate). For Public Policy, students would study policy-making, law, economics, and sociology, with careers in this field growing across sectors. Highlighted colleges included UC Irvine (Environmental Science and Policy, B.A. & Social Policy and Public Service, B.A.) and Sierra College (Political Science A.A. for Transfer).

11th and 12th graders are currently producing a documentary project about historical and modern-day conflicts for their interdisciplinary project. They have conducted interviews and gathered information to complete their documentary film. Based on their project, students learned more about a Political Science Major and Journalism Major. For a Political Science major, students would study US foreign policy, political philosophy, economics, ethics, political research methods, and judicial processes with the Political Science field expected to grow by 5% between 2018 and 2028. Highlighted colleges included CSU Chico (Political Science, B.A. with an emphasis in legal studies or us politics), and Pepperdine University (Political Science, B.A.). For a Journalism major, students would study digital storytelling, media law, layout and design, broadcast writing, research methods, print production, web writing, and copyediting with the Journalism field expecting 4,500 openings for news analysts, reporters, and journalists projected each year. Highlighted colleges included CSU Sacramento (Journalism, B.A & Political Science and Journalism, B.A.), and Consumnes River College (Journalism, A.A.-T, Broadcast Journalism, A.A.-T & Film, Television and Electronic Media, A.A.-T).

At CCPA, we pride ourselves on our future-ready culture. Students are always encouraged to keep exploring all of the possible majors, colleges, and careers to develop goals and a plan for post-secondary options!